Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan unveils TiMED, e-payment at Chitra

Delivering the 31st convocation address at the Sree Chithira Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) here on Saturday, he said there was a pressing need for enhancing the number of doctors in order to implement satisfactory health care in terms of physician availability.

He also inaugurated the E-payment gateway for hospital services at the SCTIMST where patients can make payments at the cash counters through debit and credit cards. “The shortage of doctors, especially specialists, presents a rather grim scenario particularly in the unpleasant context of rising levels of infectious and chronic degenerative diseases,” he said.

He also pointed out that shortage of doctors, non availability of infrastructure, inadequate focus on technological interventions, higher education opportunities and organisational interventions are major problems that need attention.

“Apart from the critical role of the Union and state governments, other modalities such as public–private-partnership and corporate social initiatives need to be evolved to meet the requirements. There should also be incentives for improving services in rural and semi-urban areas, which would ensure not only increased employment but also improved health care,” he said.

Department of Science and Technology secretary Prof. Ashutosh Sharma was the guest of honor at the function presided over by K. M. Chandrasekhar, president of the Institute and vice-chairman of the State Planning Board.